Private Board / Homestay

What is Homestay?

Homestay or private board is where you live with a family, couple or single person/s in their own home.

As a paying 'guest' you may need to compromise when it comes to living arrangements. Your own needs and preferences will have to fit in with the routines and expectations of the household.

Ask potential hosts about things that may be important to you. How adaptable will meal times be to your academic, sporting and social commitments? How will the householders feel about your friends visiting, your music and the hours you keep?

Make sure you have good public transport access to the campus.

There are different types of homestay arrangements, which generally fall within one of the following categories:

Full Board

Usually consists of a furnished room, two or three meals per day and bills (except telephone and internet). Some homestay providers may even do your laundry. The cost may be between $170 - $220 per week.

Part Board

Usually includes a furnished room and bills (except telephone and internet). You have the use of the cooking and laundry facilities in the house. The cost is usually around $100 - $170 per week.

Board in Exchange

Provides free or low cost housing in return for household duties such as weekly house cleaning and/or childcare. Make sure you establish beforehand how many hours labour you will be expected to perform. Make sure the time involved in carrying out duties will balance with the cost of renting and will fit with your other commitments to study and your social life.

Legal Coverage

Generally, students living in private board or homestay are not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.

It can be worthwhile to have a written agreement stating the guidelines about payment of rent, bills and the amount of notice required to move out. Whilst useful, note that this may not constitute a legally enforceable document.

If you have any queries or should any disagreements arise, it may be worthwhile contacting the Student Legal Service or Consumer Affairs Victoria.

How do You Organise it?

Student Housing Services does not place students into homestay.

Students interested in this option need to make direct contact with a private homestay provider or a homestay placement agency. These agencies organise the placement of students into homes and usually charge a fee of up to AU$150 for their services.

Once you have made contact with a provider, it is then up to you to assess the homestay service as suitable for your needs.

Our 'Homestay / Private Board' brochure provides a list of private agencies that can organise homestay placements for students. Check out our Publications page if you would like to download a copy.

You can also search for boarding options on our AccomNet housing database.

NB. Homestay placement agencies are private businesses and not affiliated in any way with the University.